Smiths Aerospace is planning to add new technology to Boeing's 767 Tanker Transport programme with a capability for autonomous aerial refueling of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs).
The technology, designed for hose and drogue refuelling systems, will be applicable to both retrofit and forward fit tankers, says John Ferrie, group managing director of Smiths Aerospace.
Smiths and Boeing are collaborating to provide essential technologies for the UAV/UCAV capability requirements identified by the USAF.
Boeing will concentrate its efforts on boom and receptacle technologies and Smiths will focus on the probe and drogue system, with common technologies shared.
Smiths says the technology will increase the control and performance of refuelling systems beyond those currently in the field. The system will work by extending guidance capability to the drogue, allowing it to be manoeuvred to enable autonomous refuelling of a UAV using the probe and drogue method.
Source: Flight Daily News
